Three days in Prague.

Prague in Czech language means ‘doorstep’. On the 365th day of a happy and gipsy year of our life together, we reached this doorstep.

 

We set out for Charles Bridge first, that evening and passed through Wenceslas Square, which is the main city square in Prague to reach the bridge. This square has all the life and soul of Prague and was just a shout away from our hotel. Also it is a brilliant shopping area.

 

 

It felt very festive, alive and vibrant there. There was lot of good cheer and music but we made quick move to Charles Bridge through Old Town.

 

 

 

Charles Bridge is, perhaps, the most important attraction of Prague.  It is a fully pedestrian 14th century stone bridge. The bridge actually is a giant magnet with strong affinity to people and there is never a time or a spot on it where you wouldn’t find people.

I assume the bridge must be a lovely place to watch a sunset but we had missed it today. By the time we were on the bridge, the sun was down and lights were up but the crowd stayed as dense as it could.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As with any other old city, Prague abounds with legends surrounding its important landmarks. They say rubbing the foot of St. John Nepomuk’s statue brings good luck. Only thing you have to spot him amid 30 odd neighbours. No harm in trying though.

Another legend claims of a certain brass cross on the bridge that can grant you a wish.*

*Conditions apply.

 

The condition is that you can make only one wish in your lifetime! I know that’s a tough one therefore I’ve left it for some other time 🙂

 

 

The bridge has it all – performers, vendors, artists, pick pockets, amorous couples, families and lots of solo souls.

 

 

Except for the crowd it was really lovely to be there. The music was mixing in the crowd, night already bright under this part of the sky was made brighter by a beautiful moon. And moon light sparkled beautifully on the gentle waves of Vltava.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can easily spend upto an hour and a half on Charles Bridge. Do see it in early hours as well as at and after sunset. There is no fee plus you get to make a wish. A good deal, right ?

We moved to back to the Old Town from Charles Bridge in search of an Indian restaurant. Here is a tip while in Prague, it would really help if you are good at reading maps and take a look at directions before starting as some places in old town are maze like and the names are…well they are in Czech, so not so easy to remember and pronounce.

 

 

Old town square has all the relics of old world, the spires, the astronomical clock, cobbled stone paths, horse driven carts! Even this part of the city gets densely crowded and is easy to get lost into.

 

 

 

 

The Astronomical Clock is another important icon of Prague.

 

 

 

 

After treading some dark and some not-so-dark alleyways we finally found  the ‘ Indian Jewel’! It’s the name of an Indian restaurant in the heart of Old Town Prague. It’s a lovely place, ambience , food and people – all are good. I highly recommend it to Prague visitors. If it is of any help, Anthony Hopkins dined here.

 

 

 

to be contd….

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